Självremiss

Självremiss is a Swedish term that translates to "self-referral" or "self-petition." It refers to a situation where an individual initiates a process for themselves that typically requires a referral from a professional. This concept is most commonly encountered within the Swedish healthcare system, though the underlying principle can apply to other contexts.

In healthcare, a självremiss means a patient directly contacts a specialist or a particular healthcare service without first seeing a general practitioner or primary care physician. This bypasses the traditional route where a doctor assesses the patient and then refers them to a specialist if deemed necessary. The availability and conditions for making a självremiss vary depending on the specific healthcare region and the type of specialist or treatment involved.

The purpose of allowing a självremiss is often to streamline access to care, particularly for certain conditions or specialties where waiting times can be significant. It can empower patients to take a more active role in their healthcare journey. However, it is important for patients to understand when a självremiss is appropriate and when it might be more beneficial or necessary to consult a primary care physician first. Guidelines are usually provided by healthcare authorities to inform the public about the process and its limitations.